Marc Guehi is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle in 2026.placeholder image
Marc Guehi is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle in 2026. | Getty Images
Man City are reportedly trying to sign Marc Guehi amid their current injury problems.
However, Liverpool and Arsenal are both keen to sign Guehi too, so there is a real chance that Man City could miss out on the England international, so they might need to find an alternative option.
Man City eye Bologna star Jhon Lucumi
If Man City do miss out on Guehi this month, they will likely turn to a different target, as they need more depth at the back. Reports have emerged which suggest they could make a move for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, who, like Guehi, is 27, and like Guehi, has international experience.
Spanish outlet Fichajes says that Man City are keen on the Colombian international, who has been a reliable defender in the Serie A for several years. He’s been at Bologna since 2022, when he joined from Belgian side Genk, and has since made over 130 appearances for the club.
He is expected to be cheaper than Guehi, as reports have said that the Palace defender could cost upwards of £30m. Lucumi has an estimated market value of around £22m, and so could be somewhat of a ‘budget Marc Guehi’ for Man City, as he is great on the ball, a similar age, and has similar experience. The only thing he lacks is Premier League experience, but if City miss out on Guehi, he could be a great option.
Could Max Alleyne be Man City’s Guehi alternative?
Amid the injury problems of late for Guardiola, Man City decided to recall 20-year-old Max Alleyne from his loan at Championship side Watford, where he has really impressed this season.
Alleyne was thrust straight into the starting XI, as he started City’s game against Brighton in defence, and could continue to have a role if Man City are unable to land a defender in the January window.
Fellow defender Nathan Ake was full of praise for the 20-year-old after the Brighton draw. He told Man City’s official website: “They [Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov] did great.
“Especially Max, only training with us once yesterday. Coming in straight away and playing like that. So hats off to him, he’s been fantastic today. Hopefully, we can keep it going like that and win the next game for sure.”
If Man City are unable to land Guehi, because of the competition from Arsenal and Liverpool. They might have to rely on Alleyne until the likes of Dias and Stones return from injury in February.
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